* So-Cal Speed Shop's Hot Rod Classics (RockBeat Records) *

The California-based RockBeat-label, founded by Rhino Records veterans James Austin and Arny Schorr, delivered quite a few remarkable releases since 2011. My first introduction to this label was 'Soul & Swagger', a 5cd round-up of the 1951-1967 output by R&B-vocalgroup The 5 Royales. Then I came across the earlier Rockbeat-releases 'Surf-Age Nuggets' (a 4cd-set subtitled 'Trash & Twang Instrumentals 1959-1968') and 'Los Nuggetz' (4 discs of '60s Garage & Psych from Latin America'). Latest addition is 'Groove & Grind - Rare Soul 63-73'. The best so far, as far as I'm concerned, has got to be 'So-Cal Speed Shop's Hot Rod Classics': another 4-CD-set, produced in association with the SO-CAL Speed Shop in Pomona, California, a shop specializing in hot rod parts.

What's in it for you? 124 tracks, recorded between 1951 and 1966, about custom made cars, drag races and road runners. Ranging from rhythm & blues and rockabilly to surf tunes and garage. Packaged in a lavishly illustrated 80-page hardbound book (sized 7" x 7"). Here's a selection. Enjoy the ride!

A01. The Lively Set-Pomona Drags (1964?)
A06. Manuel & The Renegades-Rev Up (1963)
A12. J Frank Wilson-Black Car X (1965; -> check Secret Museum 30 aug 2015)
A21. Bobby Verne-Red Hot Car (1962)
A28. The Fender Benders-Drag Strip (1958)

B04. Don Sergeant And His Buddies-Leadfoot (1959)
B10. The Vettes-Devil's Driver Theme (1964)
B12. Danny Welch-Riding Shotgun (1957)
B17. Robert Williams and the Groovers-Loud Mufflers (1959)
B18. Jim Foster With The Kountry Kut-Ups -Rag Rock Roadster (1964)

C01. Jimmie Knight-Crankshaft Sid (1962?)
C10. The Crazy Crickets-Expressway (1961?)
C11. The Romancers-She Took My Oldsmobile (1966)
C13. Sonny And The Demons-Dusters (1963?)
C19. The Jesters-Cadillac Man (1966)

D05. Jimmy Stevens With Dela McCarthy-Scramble (1959)
D21. Rudy (Ray) Moore-Buggy Ride (1956)
D24. Jerry McCain-Stay Out Of Automobiles (1954)
D28. Mickey Gilley- Drive-In Movie (1961)
D31. Beep Beep & The Roadrunners-Shiftin' Gears (1959)